Independent insurance agents go to conferences and conventions to learn, to network, to meet company reps and, sometimes, just to get away. Opportunities to do all of those things abound this year for agents in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. So, if you just have to get away, check out the some of the convention possibilities in the South Central region. More conference and event listings are available online at www.insurancejournal.com/conferences.
History in the Making—Houston
On Feb. 19, 2004 the Independent Insurance Agents of Houston celebrates its 80th anniversary at the annual Houston Insurance Day. The IIA of Houston was incorporated on June 11, 1924 under the name of the Insurance Exchange of Houston with the purpose of “reducing fire waste and elevate the individual professional standard of insurance business.” What evolved from humble beginnings has matured into 146 member agencies and 130 affiliate members representing over 8,000 individuals, making IIAH the largest local insurance association in the United States.
What: Houston I Day
When: Feb. 19, 2004
Where: Adam’s Mark Hotel, Houston, Texas
Contact: Renee Stager, (713) 812-7830, www.iiah.org
Get Ready for the New Texas
Each year the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas hosts the nation’s largest Big I state association convention and trade show dedicated to the needs of independent insurance agencies. More than 400 agency owners, 100 CSRs, 200 company representatives and 200 exhibitors attend this event. This will be the IIAT’s 107th annual convention.
What: IIAT Annual Meeting
When: June 10 – June 12, 2004
Where: Anatole Hotel, Dallas, Texas
Contact: Cindy Quy, (800) 880-7428, www.iiat.org
Ind. Agents & Brokers of Louisiana
The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Louisiana (IIABL) is a full-service professional trade association with nearly 400 agency members representing an estimated 3,500 professional staff. This year IIABL will host its 102nd annual convention.
What: IIAB Louisiana Annual Convention
When: June 16 – June 20, 2004
Where: Sandestin Beach Hilton, Destin, Fla.
Contact: Fran Berenson, (225) 819-8007
IIAO Annual Conference & Exposition
This annual event has become the premier property and casualty industry gathering for the state of Oklahoma. It offers quality educational seminars, the latest information on industry enhancements, and forums to meet with company management. In addition, social and entertainment activities allow agents and company personnel to enjoy old friendships and make new ones.
What: IIAB Oklahoma Annual Convention
When: June 17 – June 20, 2004
Where: Hyatt Regency Riverwalk, San Antonio, Texas
Contact: Susan Titus, (405) 840-4426, www.iiaok.com
Ind. Insurance Agents of Arkansas
Founded in 1901, the Independent Insurance Agents of Arkansas (IIAA) now boasts a membership of over 290 member agencies, a total of over 100 company members.
What: IIAA Annual Convention
When: June 17 – June 20, 2004
Where: Beau Rivage Resort, Biloxi, Miss.
Contact: Lisa Holiman, (800) 221-3132, www.iiaar.org
A Better Louisiana
Established in 1943, Professional Insurance Agents of Louisiana has around 300 agency members and 150+ company members. With its A Better Louisiana initiative, the association hopes to lure more markets to the state.
What: PIA of Louisiana 61st Annual Convention
When: July 17-20, 2004
Where: The Marriott Grand, Point Clear, Ala.
Contact: (800) 349-3434, www.piaofloui-siana.com
Automobile Insurance Agents of Texas
The Automobile Insurance Agents of Texas represents those who primarily write automobile insurance within their agency. Its focus is to better prepare the auto insurance agent to do his or her job on a daily basis and to present to the public a professional image of the auto agent.
What: AIAT Conference
When: Sept. 9 – Sept. 11, 2004
Where: Westin Galleria, Houston, Texas
Contact: Beverly Boone, (888) 576-2428, www.aiat.org
Dallas 2004 All Industry Day
All Industry Day is a joint venture of the Independent Insurance Agents of Dallas and the Dallas Chapter of CPCU, and is the largest one-day trade show in the Southwest. What: Dallas I Day
When: Nov. 23, 2004
Where: Hotel Inter-Continental Dallas, Addison, Texas
Contact: Nancy Rodriguez, (214) 360-0666, www.iiadallas.org
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